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Skyworks Solutions Inc., an innovator of high performance analog semiconductors enabling a broad range of end markets, announced that its highly integrated, low noise amplifier front-end modules are being leveraged by various OEMs to enable global positioning systems (GPS) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) in smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices in emerging markets. Skyworks’ modules offer high linearity, excellent gain and an integrated filter, providing manufacturers with cost-effective, high performance solutions in a compact footprint. These devices are also the first semiconductors to support China’s BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS), China’s second-generation system that is enabling GPS in consumer platforms in addition to other public safety applications such as transportation systems, water conservancy, forest-fire prevention and disaster relief.

“Skyworks is delighted to be the first semiconductor company with solutions that are supporting widespread GPS capability in smartphones and other handheld devices throughout China and across Asia,” said David Stasey, vice president and general manager of analog solutions at Skyworks. “Given our early investments addressing China’s BeiDou system, our unique capabilities and leadership position in GPS and location-based technologies, we are well positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for these devices in emerging, high growth markets.”

GNSS is a series of satellites that provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global coverage. It allows small electronic receivers to determine their location (longitude, latitude and altitude) to within a few meters using time signals transmitted along a line-of-sight by radio from satellites. Receivers then calculate the precise time as well as position, which can be used as a reference.

According to Frost & Sullivan, there will be an increasing prominence of Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) data derived from GNSS and associated Value Added Services (VAS) in the next 10 to 20 years. In their Market Insight report entitled “Global Navigation Satellite System Market Assessment – In Pursuit of New Business Opportunities,” they predict that Asia Pacific will continue to represent the fastest growing region through 2021, with the market more than doubling in 10 years from $29 billion to over $74 billion by 2021. In their GNSS Market Report, the Global Semiconductor Association forecasted that global shipments will exceed one billion units before 2020, driven by growth in emerging economies.